Yes! No-Conflict Diamonds

Archive for May 2006

Beautiful History’s Colors | The Splendor of Diamonds Exhibit

May 26, 2006, 11:01 am

This exhibit shows seven diamonds that are among the most rare and valuable in the world. They are being displayed together for the first and only time through the collaborative efforts of the Smithsonian Institution, The Steinmetz Group, and the Gemological Institute of America.

The diamonds range from 5.11 to 203.04 carats in weight. All crystallized from carbon atoms deep within the Earth and endured an explosive journey to the Earth’s surface. One—The De Beers Millennium Star—is composed purely of carbon atoms. The others were tinted rare colors as impurities and defects replaced some carbon atoms during growth.

Click here to view those available and for more information.

color

colored

colored diamond

de beers

gemological institute of america

millennium star

smithsonian institution

steinmetz group

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(posted in the diamond, diamonds category)

Diamond Conflict | De Beers vs. The Synthetics

May 25, 2006, 10:37 am

Sounds like a fifties band dance off, doesn’t it? But in reality, the competition between natural diamonds and their alternatives is rising as the consumer shift continues towards the latter. As the fear lies in the idea that, with advanced science, companies manufacturing diamond simulants will pose a threat to diamond producing and exporting countries. Particularly if the laboratory-made diamonds continue gaining popularity, which will force trade in the world’s most expensive gemstone to falter.

Just 10 years ago, research showed that 96% of women want natural mined diamonds. A decade ago, survey reports summaries indicated that consumers thought that “synthetics do not enshrine core human values and emotions”—whatever that means. This sounds like it was written by the marketing department for a large diamond jewelry chain or perhaps DeBeers, not something that an average jewelry buyer would say. Nevertheless, semantics aside, there has been a dramatic consumer shift towards diamond alternatives.

Today’s surveys have revealed that only 52% of women want the “real thing”. Consumers are opting for less expensive diamond simulants, and have deep growing concerns about conflict/blood diamonds, the exploitation of child slave labor in India’s diamond cutting operations. Moreover, consumers are sick and tired of the DeBeers Diamond Cartel using its monopoly position to inflate prices …

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alternative to diamond rings

alternatives to diamond rings

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(posted in the diamond, diamonds category)

The Care of Your Diamonds

May 24, 2006, 9:01 am

Too many seem to forget that just because you might not be wearing your diamonds that often, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to take care of them. Adjoined to this, is information on exactly how to do such, to make sure that your investment stays on par with its worth.

Diamonds are hard and durable, but there are things, which can damage them, so it is important to know what to avoid. Diamonds can be broken by a sharp impact on a hard surface. Some people think that there in no need of cleaning or caring a diamond, which is wrong. Diamond must be cared and cleaned from time to time.

One of the worst things for causing damage to diamonds is allowing them to rub and knock against other diamonds. This will cause damage to the stone. Diamonds are tough but they are not indestructible.

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